One Year Anniversary: Governor Radda To Commission Newly Constructed Ultramodern Dialysis Centre 

By Femi Adi

In his avowed commitment to addressing the challenges of healthcare delivery service in State, Katsina State Governor, Mal. Umaru Dikko Radda within eight months of his administration constructed new ultramodern dialysis centre. 

The project, which commenced in September last year was completed within a record of time and fully furnished with state-of-art equipment  obtainable in developed countries.

The multimillion-naira project was born from the visionary mind of Governor Radda, a key x of his “Building Your Future” blueprint, a roadmap that encapsulates his grand vision for the progress and prosperity of Katsina.

With a passion for ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all and sundry, Governor Radda  personally spearheaded the initiative from its conception to completion.

Accompanied by Katsina State Deputy Governor, Mall. Farouk Lawal Jobe and other members of the state executive council, Governor Radda embarked on a tour of the facility.

The detailed briefing during the tour informed state personnel at the venue that Governor Radda has been meticulously monitoring the project’s, leaving no stone unturned  from the laying of the foundation to the final touches that transformed this vision into tangible reality.

The Governor’s hands-on approach and steadfast dedication have been the driving force behind this monumental achievement. As the people of Katsina State witness the unveiling of this facility, residents can now benefits international standard healthcare services.

Democracy Day: Hon. Shadalafiya Congratulates Governor Uba Sani

… Commends His Commitment to Ensuring Peace Progress, Development in the State

As Nigerians celebrate the Democracy Day, the Chairman, Legislative Service Commission, Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya has congratulated Governor Uba Sani on the completion of his first year in office.

The newly appointed Chairman, in a statement personally signed said the Governor has within the one year demonstrated a high sense of commitment and capacity to engender growth and development of the State via the SUSTAIN Agenda.

According to the Chairman, Governor Uba Sani has not only kept faith with the good people of Kaduna across the three Senatorial zones, but has also created atmosphere for a sustained peaceful coexistence.

The Statement further reads:”I am from the Southern part of Kaduna and I can authoritatively say without mincing words that my Southern Kaduna brothers are really at home with the Governor. We have seen his fair treatment and commitment to ensure peace , progressive and development in our zone.

“I congratulate our indefatigably Governor, Senator Uba Sani on the occasion of 2024 Nigeria’s Democracy Day Celebrations. Your emergence as Governor during the 2023 gubernatorial elections in the State is no doubt a milestone in the march to an enduring peace , progress and development of dear Kaduna .

“We reckoned and acknowledged the doggedness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and your humble self who struggled to ensure democracy takes root in Nigeria.

Shadalafiya however ,urged the residents and citizens to continue to support Governor Uba Sani led administration, with hope that his wealth of experience as Human Right activist; Lawmaker and Businessman will be brought to bear in making Kaduna to continually be great

ONE YEAR OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, HOW FAR NIGERIA?
-FADOJOE

Fellow Nigerians, it is pertinent we ask ourselves how far our beloved country has gone, one year into the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT).

One year ago Tinubu was sworn in as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he missed it in some ways from the beginning of his administration.

The first mistake was the announcement of subsidy removal without plan on ground to cushion the effects.

The second misstep was the unification of naira without prior plan, which up till today our currency has never find it’s foot in the world currency market.

Mr President announced students loan which up till now we are not sure it has been implemented.
The Senate went on rampage in financial miss management; acquiring for each of them N150 million worth of exotic car.
So many padding in the budget.

Avoidable wasteful expenditure obvious in taking large number of people running to hundred, abroad for meetings that only ten or twenty people could have attended.

Insecurity ravaging the country. So much kidnapping from the north to the south to the east to the west of Nigeria.

767 companies have left the shores of Nigeria because of bad economic policies, insecurity and epileptic power supply.

No longer hope of a bright future for Nigerian children.

Many households are sending their children abroad: to UK to USA to study, but not in Nigeria.

Employment for the youths is a major challenge and those who want to create job cannot find favourable environment for businesses to thrive.

One year after President Tinubu took over the mantle of leadership, where are we (as a nation)?

Many youths are fleeing the country the “Japa” syndrome, just because of the hardship in our dear country.

Our road in the west, north, south and east of this country are still as bad as anything and are more of death trap. Little will one wonder that there are so many accidents with many people dying almost on daily basis.

Instead of the administration to look into the road project, it’s white elephant project of Lagos/Calabar Coastal highway they are talking about. Is Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway, a good project? Yes, it’s a good project. But is it what we need at this time? No it’s not what Nigerians need right now! And this administration may still borrow money in the name of the project, and a chunk of the money may find it’s way to the bank accounts of some individuals, while such project may be left uncompleted.

When it comes to insecurity and hunger, our country as at it’s peak, as we have the worst level of hunger as well as the highest level of insecurity in the world. Ukraine and Russia that are fighting war are safer than Nigeria, where there is no war. Though we are not at war, but the level of insecurity in Nigeria put our country at war everyday.

Countries where there was coup like Chad Republic are even better than our country where we are under democracy; that they say is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. But this Tinubu’s government has been for the few, very few and very few.

Till now government workers in Nigeria have not received pay rise despite that many of them cannot take home living wage.

Instead of this administration to take critical look at policies before formulating them, they just roll out policies and allow market forces to control them.

Monumental corruption issues are unaddressed properly: what happened to Beta Edu over the allegations of corruption leveled against her? There is no country that can succeed anywhere in the world where there is no adherence to the rule of law and where corruption is allowed. A country where it’s only the poor that are punished for breaking the law, but as far as the elite do not step on toes they are above the law. And even if they eventually take them to court, they faint or even develop sudden illness, so the case keep dragging for along time. What happened to former CBN governor, Emefiele accused of stealing so much? Up till now the case is still dragging in court.

One year after Mr President was sworn in, none of our refineries is working, despite the promise last year that Port Harcourt refinery was going to kick off before the end of the year. The year has ended and another year is going half way, none of our refineries is working. Rather, we are dependent on an individual, Alhaji Dangote to have a functional refinery in the country of over two million in population.

Many of the governors are not doing well in their states. They got N5 billion palliatives, yet till now we don’t know what most of them spend the palliatives on. And there is no governor who has been able to account for the palliatives released to them by the federal government. Then there is need for the federal government to ask them what they have used the money to do.

It doesn’t mean that there is nothing to give kudos to this administration for?

Number one, it’s kudos for releasing, Omoyele Sowore. And I am seizing this opportunity to call on the government to also release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB. Because there is no point holding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in custody.

We must also commend the fact that democracy is stable in our nation. For stabilizing democracy, this administration should also be commended.

However, the fact still remains that on the overall scorecard, this administration will be placed below 50%.

We are using this medium to call on President Tinubu to check his policies, the way things are going, and the economy of the nation. People are not smiling. People are dying on the street, Nigerians can no longer afford three square meal a day: not even two square meal.

Also we are using this opportunity to call the attention of Mr. President to the fact that there is still a lot to do. We are Nigerians home and abroad, and we want our country to succeed. So we are appealing to Mr President to give it what it takes to make our country succeed.

Bring in experts that know what they are doing. Let’s put policies on the table before we roll it out to Nigerians. So that at the end of the day, a good policy will not come out as a policy that will hit hard on Nigerians as the result of wrong implementation. Rather it should ease the trauma that people are going through.

The issue of insecurity must be effectively tackled. Quality and affordable education should be a major focus that this government needs to look into. Power (electricity) must be handled as the tariff keep going up, yet power supply keep coming down. A nation that will succeed must work to fix the electricity. Because once power is fixed in this country, then the problems have been cut in half.

I want to assert that we will continue to be an opposition: a formidable, positive and constructive opposition to this administration, but not a destructive one; because our desire is to ensure our country work and we have a nation we can all be proud of.

In conclusion, we will still celebrate our democracy. There is no perfect democracy anywhere in the world. We cannot get it right in one day. But some days, we will get it right. When some of us pick up a generational mantle of leadership and take over from our fathers. The fathers have done enough.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
May God bless you.
May God bless me.

I am Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe.
The leader of Rescue Movement for New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative.

Birth of Baby Girl : Hon. Shadalafiya Felicitates with Hon. Zock , Wife

The Chairman , Legislative Service Commission(LSC) , Kaduna State has Felicitated with the family of Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, House of Representatives Member, representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency on the safe delivery and blessing of a baby baby girl.

The overtly elated, former Deputy Speaker , Kaduna State House of Assembly and member, who represented Kagarko Constituency, expressed hope that the good news of the birth of the baby girl will serve as motivation and encouragement to Hon. Zock while he continues to heed to God’s words and direction to work more the people of his Constituency.

Hon. Nuhu Goroh Shadalafiya, who stated this in a Press statement personally signed on Saturday, however prayed that God will grant Hon.Zock’s wife,Mrs Fanny Saleh Zock the strength to overcome the usual stress of labour after delivery and provide the resources to cater for the baby .

The statement further reads: “To God be the Glory for His Mercy and Blessings to our Responsive and People’s Representative RT. Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock Harr on the Arrival of His God’s Gift today of a Beautiful Queen Baby Girl at the early hours of today. Congratulations Fanny and RT. Hon Harr.

“I am deeply happy that the birth is reflection that God Almighty is forever faithful. I pray that birth of the baby will bring forth more blessings and prosperity to the family as well as the good people of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency.”

BREAKING : Sokoto University Gets 10 New Degree Programs

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 10 new degree programs for Northwest University, Sokoto, in a move that is expected to boost academic excellence in the region.

The approved programs include LL.B. Law, MBBS. Medicine and Surgery, B. Nsc. Nursing Science, (link unavailable) Public Health, and (link unavailable) Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS.). Others are (link unavailable) Environmental Health, (link unavailable) Pharmacology, (link unavailable) Mass Communication, (link unavailable) Information and Media Studies, and (link unavailable) Public Relations.

According to a statement issued by the NUC, the approval followed a request by the university’s management and a successful assessment visit by the commission’s panel of experts.

The statement noted that the panel was impressed with the university’s human and material resources, and therefore granted approval for the new programs to commence immediately for the 2024/2025 academic session.

This development is expected to increase access to quality education in the region, particularly in critical fields such as law, medicine, and health sciences.

Northwest University, Sokoto, has expressed gratitude to the NUC for the approval, and has assured that the new programs will be implemented with the highest standards of academic excellence.

The university’s management has also commended the NUC for its continued support and regulation of university education in Nigeria, and has pledged to maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance in its academic programs.

With this approval, Northwest University, Sokoto, is poised to become a hub for academic excellence in the region, and is expected to attract students from across the country and beyond.

Meanwhile, Senator Aliyu Wamako has congratulated the university for achieving such a feat.

CSOs Give Reasons Nigerians Should Support Cyber Security Levy 

Members of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations under aegis of  Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) have urged the federal government to reintroduce the Cyber Security Levy considering the advantages of enhancer security framework of financial operations in the country.

According the CSOs ,advantages of the cyber security Levy far outweighs the excuses given for revoking it. 

Nigeria’s central bank did withdraw the controversial 0.5% cybersecurity levy on electronic transfers three days before it was supposed to take effect.

The levy was seen as “regressive” by financial industry experts due to the  increase in the cost of an electronic transaction amidst the country’s highest inflation rate in thirty years and a cost of living crisis. Following mounting pressure from labour unions, the federal government suspended the levy and said it would be reviewed on Tuesday

The Civil Society Organisations in 

a Communique issued after a one-day Review Meeting held at Arewa Auditorium today on with the theme: “Economic implications of Revoking  the Cyber Security Levy vis-a-vis the advantages” backed the reintroduction of the Levy,since it’s in line with internationally best practices . 

In the communique jointly signed by  the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara,members of the CSOs across  28 States of Nigeria reviewed the pros and cons and agree that the cyber security levy will enhance the security framework of financial operations.

While insisting that the Cyber Security Levy should be Re-Introduced considering the advantages, the CSOs said there is no alternate to a secured and trustworthy electronic transaction environment which will  promote economic growth and digital financial inclusion. 

According to the groups, considering the country’s battered image  globally, the Levy will help fund the development of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure . Stressing,”Cyber funding has become a veritable means of funding for terrorists and there’s no way to  combat terrorism successfully without denying them there sources of funding.

Further explaining reasons for supporting  CBN over the Cyber Security Levy is the implementation of advanced security measures; protecting financial institutions and customers from cyber threats and attacks by the so called ,”Yahoo Boys” .Adding that Cyber crimes have destroyed the lives of many young people and must be discouraged. 

Rescue Movement Inaugurates Delta and Abia State Chapters, Urges Members to Stand for a New Nigeria

A fast-developing organization, Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, also known as Rescue Movement For New Nigeria, is redefining party politics and activism in the country. On May 18th and 19th, 2024, the movement inaugurated its Delta and Abia State Chapters, respectively, amidst great fanfare and a strong display of commitment from members.

Speaking at the inauguration events, the Director General of the movement, Martins Chiedozie Ugwu, emphasized the significance of the organization, stating that it is the first of its kind in the history of activism and party politics in Africa. He charged members to remain steadfast and work towards building a new Nigeria by Nigerians.

Comrade Ugwu referenced Albert Einstein’s tribute to Pablo Celsars, highlighting the importance of responsible citizenship in building a responsible society. He urged Nigerians to join the movement and register their membership at http://www.rescue.org.ng for a united action and robust intellectual movement like never seen or experienced in Africa.

The Deputy Director General-South East, Comrade Nwogu Patrick Obinna expressed gratitude to members who attended the events, stating that their presence marked a significant milestone in their collective journey towards a new Nigeria.

The Abia and Delta State Chapters of Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative were inaugurated on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, with enthusiastic gatherings that pledged to work tirelessly towards creating a better Nigeria for all.

As part of their tradition of respecting traditional institutions, the Rescue Movement team visited the palace of His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Young A. Nwangwa, KSA, Eze Oko 1, and was warmly received with joy. His Royal Highness graciously pledged to make himself available to support their cause whenever needed.

The inauguration events taking place in different states marks a significant step forward for the movement, as they continue to drive their vision for a new Nigeria.

Unpaid Wages, Allowances: DICON Staff Seek Open Communication

In a move to address worker grievances, civilian staff at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) are demanding better communication with management and a resolution to outstanding wage concerns. The call comes after demonstrations held from April 23rd to May 3rd at the corporation’s factory in Kaduna.

The staff are dissatisfied about being excluded from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which raises concerns about transparency and the accuracy of their pay. They are also frustrated about the abrupt discontinuation of allowances for scarce skills and transportation, as well as outstanding payments related to minimum wage increases and a government award. “The lack of these payments has caused significant financial hardship for many of us and impacting their morale. We’re struggling to make ends meet and feel increasingly frustrated,” a DICON staff member stated.

They said while established communication channels exist, their attempts to raise concerns through town hall meetings have been met with silence. “We acknowledge established communication channels and attempted to raise these concerns through various means, including the Director General’s Town Hall Meetings. However, the lack of response left us with limited options,” the statement said.

The statement acknowledged a recent clarification from the Director General of DICON, Major General Aniedi Edet that wage control lies with a different entity as offering some hope for a quicker resolution of outstanding payments. They said they are encouraged by this development. “We were encouraged to hear the Director General’s recent statement clarifying that DICON staff wage control resides with the President and Accountant General. We hope this expedites the resolution of outstanding payments,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the DICON staff expressed concern over the alleged formation of an investigative committee following the demonstrations. While acknowledging due process, they argued that “only a disproportionately small number (18) of participants were issued with queries signed by Air Commodore Ola Emmanuel, Director of Production.” According to them, “this raises concerns, given the overwhelmingly peaceful participation of over 80% of staff.” The staff therefore demanded a “fair and transparent process that avoids selective justice.”

Reacting to the staff’s concerns, Major General Aniedi Edet, DICON’s Director General, offered a contrasting perspective. He accused the staff of being “economical with the truth” and described their demonstrations as “mischievous and baseless.” Major General Edet further claimed that such actions violated employee regulations and could result in prison terms, citing provisions in the Act of Employees’ Conditions of Service that forbid protest, trade unionism, and strikes by corporation staff.

The DICON staff in the statement, however, emphasized that their demonstrations were “a legitimate expression of worker concerns, protected under their rights.” They said they “remain dedicated to DICON and are open to exploring solutions that address their needs while benefiting both the workforce and the company.” Open communication, they stated, “is key to achieving this.”